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The sentences given below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the numbers as your answer.

  1. Veena Sahajwalla, a materials scientist at the University of New South Wales, believes there is a new way of solving this problem.
  2. Her vision is for automated drones and robots to pick out components, put them into a small furnace and smelt them at specific temperatures to extract the metals one by one before they are sent off to manufacturers for reuse.
  3. E-waste contains huge quantities of valuable metals, ceramics and plastics that could be salvaged and recycled, although currently not enough of it is.
  4. She plans to build microfactories that can tease apart the tangle of materials in mobile phones, computers and other e-waste.

Entered answer:

Solution

✅ Correct Answer: 3142

Step 1: Find the opening sentence -> Look for context-setting, problem introduction

Step 2: Find the connecting sentences -> Person/solution introduction

Step 3: Find the development -> General plan details

Step 4: Find the conclusion -> Specific implementation details

From passage: "E-waste contains huge quantities of valuable metals... although currently not enough of it is."

This sentence sets up the problem -> E-waste has value but isn't being recycled enough. Perfect opening.

From passage: "Veena Sahajwalla... believes there is a new way of solving this problem."

The word "this problem" directly refers back -> Must come after sentence 3. Introduces our solution person.


Thought Process:

Problem introduction (3) -> Solution person (1) -> General plan (4) -> Specific details (2)

Sentence 3 -> introduces the e-waste recycling problem

Sentence 1 -> introduces Veena as having a new solution to "this problem"

Sentence 4 -> explains her general plan (microfactories)

Sentence 2 -> gives specific details of how it works (drones, robots, furnaces)


The key is spotting reference words:

  • "this problem" in sentence 1 -> needs a problem mentioned before it
  • "She plans" in sentence 4 -> needs Veena introduced first
  • "Her vision" in sentence 2 -> needs her plan mentioned first

Correct sequence: 3142

The flow goes: Context -> Expert -> Plan -> Details

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